Friday's Post: A Talented Friend Fills Santa's Sleigh

When we lived in the southwest, one of my dearest friends got the prize for having the most unique and beautiful things around her house.

It was always such a delight to to visit her. Not only did I love her, I loved seeing all her interior decorating touches. Best of all, she was a mega thrift store shopper! She could spot a bargain a mile away.

At Christmas time,  one of the most beautiful decorations she had was a sleigh drawn by a team of reindeer. It looked like crystal but it was actually made from plastic. It was drop dead gorgeous.

Fast forward several years and a major move brought us back to New England. While on the yard sale circuit last fall, I hit the jackpot.  The estate of a lady who had died had absolutely gorgeous artifacts for sale. The deceased lady certainly had impeccable taste and I admired all the lovely things she left behind.

There, on one of the tables, was, guess what?  Santa's sleigh, almost identical to my southwestern friend's. The only difference is this sleigh had just two reindeer pulling its glittery exterior.  The sale proprietors wanted $10 for the sleigh. When asked if they would accept $5, they agreed and I nearly keeled over from joy.

Another very dear friend who lives on the east coast does extremely attractive floral arrangements.  I've posted about some of her unique creations in the past.  After showing her my Christmasy sleigh with the golden glitter, I asked her if she could create some kind of arrangement for it.

Off she went with Santa's miniature sleigh with two reindeer. A few days later she returned and had filled the sleigh with colorful holiday decor. (CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE) 

The sleigh centerpiece just about galloped down the middle of the dining room table all through the holidays. It elicited quite a few positive comments.

It's almost too pretty to pack away but that's what I'm going to do, sooner than later.

Aren't friends wonderful?

DO YOU HAVE FRIENDS WITH DIFFERENT TALENTS?  WHAT ARE SOME OF THEIR TALENTS?

A Simple Pleasure That Meows

My simple pleasure today fills my heart with pure love until it almost breaks.

It's our pet, Honey Cat. Yes, she's just a cat but she's been part of our lives for 15 years. She came to live with us when our children were quite young and they are both grown up now, and married.

 In her childhood, our daughter lobbied for two solid years to have a cat join our household.  At that time, I didn't want a cat but all the begging and pleading finally made me give in. Today, I cannot imagine our lives without Honey Cat.

I've posted about her before and told all the details of how she was born in the desert and now lives  in the "Arctic Tundra" of New England. (All of the posts on Honey Cat can be found in this blog's archive on the sidebar.) 

The veterinarian says Honey is a "very old" grandmother cat. If there are seven human years to every cat year, she's more than 100 years old! Imagine. 

She's been sick in 2010 and is now on special renal diet cat food obtained from the veterinarian's office. The cost takes a big chunk out of our already stringent budget but that's okay. Honey  needs to eat well. She goes through so much kitty litter now that I'd like to have shares in the company.

To me, Honey is as pretty as a picture.  She's also so special because she is such a reminder of  our children's childhood.
Honey Cat is a simple pleasure every single moment of my life. I don't know how much longer we will have her but, in the meantime, I will cherish each day she prances through our house like the Queen of Sheba.
Honey Cat is a super duper simple pleasure.

Please don't forget to check out all the other simple pleasure entries on Dayle's blog, a Collection of This and That (http://alittleofthisandthat2.blogspot.com/  ).  Better yet, consider joining Dayle's wonderful weekly Simple Pleasures Party with a simple pleasure of your own!

Time to Think About New Year's Goals

When I was young, each new year meant making a list of "resolutions." 

Just the word "resolution" gives me the creeps. It's so unfriendly. It kind of connotes "no fooling around."
Most years of my life "lose weight" was the Number One Resolution. For the first few weeks of the year I usually did quite well with the food and then, eventually, reverted back to familiar eating habits.

"Exercise more" also became a familiar resolution at the beginning of each new year. Last year I definitely succeeded at that one by swimming two to three mornings a week!  That was definitely a highlight for 2010. Moving the body feels great!

This year---the year coming, that is---2011, I'm not doing resolutions. Instead, I've changed the word to "goals."  That sounds friendlier to me. I can work on goals better than doing something that's "resolved."

While I could probably come up with a couple dozen goals that would be great to complete, purposely I'm keeping the list short. When I write each one down, I'm going to work really hard to complete it. Life is a wondrous journey and goals make it even better.

DO YOU MAKE NEW GOALS EACH YEAR? DO YOU COMPLETE SOME?


P.S. The little dog with the Christmas tree on top of his head,  shown in this post's photos, sang when you pressed his paw. His ears went up and down, too. Got a couple of these delightful doggies to give as  gifts this Christmas season. They definitely elicited smiles.

Live in the Moment

As we dug out from the aftermath of the Big Daddy Blizzard of 2010, it felt like a  blessing  to be able to stay home.

Having worked in numerous jobs for decades of my life, I'm still one of those souls who truly believes that home keeping hearts are happiest. At least my heart is happy when I'm able to spend a day at home in whatever way I please.

Yesterday, because it was cold and blustery, with snow framing our windows like glittery sugar, the fire in the fireplace got started at noon and never waned.  With great joy, I read the huge stack of Christmas cards again as well as holiday newsletters from friends and family, near and far. 

Because Christmas is the only time I hear from some of these dear ones, the newsletters are like candles in the night to me. Some people cannot stand receiving holiday newsletters but I"m not one of them.  It's great to catch up on the news of what each person and his family members have been up to this year.

As the afternoon hours ticked by, I also wrote out a stack of thank you notes for holiday gifts. When a person takes valuable time and effort to select a gift, spend money to buy it,  wrap it, and then present it, I think it's a basic courtesy to acknowledge it with a note. Not everyone would agree with me but that's okay, too. Each to his/her own. It's fulfilling to write out my holiday thank you notes! Expressing gratitude is never a bad thing.

By the time evening came and the night sky replaced the afternoon's brightness, I felt peace and a touch of sadness. The end of each year does that.  No one knows what the new year might bring or even if there will be a "next" Christmas. The key to dealing with these solemn thoughts is to live in each moment. After all, that's all any of us has---"now." 

So I'm going to throw yet another log onto the fire and keep it going until my eyes feel like they have cement lids. These quiet, peaceful moments are very, very precious and special.

ARE YOU ABLE TO LIVE IN THE MOMENT? HOW?

After the Big Day of Christmas

The Big Event is over. Christmas Day, 2010, is now part of our recent memories.

The Christmas season, however, is still very much alive and well. There's no way the tree is coming down yet or the bright, twinkling white outdoor lights will be dimmed.  No siree. There are still several days left until New Year's celebrations begin.

But, I promise, after this week there will be no more photos of the decorations, the tree, or anything else Christmas. All will be neatly taken down, packed away, and stored in the attic until next year. This, I promise you, so bear with me just a few more days.

For me, the highlight of the season has been spending time with people I love. It always is. The spontaneous dinner parties at home, visiting other peoples' houses,  holiday concerts, receiving stacks of cards in the mail---I love it all.

A niece made chocolate bark and truffles from Belgium chocolate and I had to quickly give those to my "forever love" because they were soooooo fabulously delicious. Definitely, I'd want to eat every single one so they have now disappeared.

I've loved seeing  the smiles from children constructing gingerbread houses. It has been such a joy to hear  my nieces' little girls singing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer while decked out in their holiday dresses, including fancy red shoes!

Christmas night the fire crackled in the fireplace, the lights of the tree continued to mesmerize me, and my heart filled to the very brim with love for the message of this magnificent Christmas season. The Christ child was born and brought hope to mankind forever more.

Like the golden angel on the mantle, I'd do anything to blast a trumpet to the heavens to show the gratitude for being alive that fills every bit of my heart.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST PART OF THE HOLIDAYS FOR YOU?

Dreaming of a Little Thatched Cottage

(Drawing from Artist and Writer, Susan Branch's  2010 calendar)

It's almost a tradition in our house that I must have a Susan Branch calendar to start the year off on a good note.

This artist's drawings are joyful. Her spirit, too, attracts happiness like a magnet. I LOVE Susan Branch and all of her cookbooks, stickers, and everything she creates.

For December, 2010's calendar drawing there is a sweet little cottage. In her usual style, Susan added a sweet quote. This time, it was one by Beatrix Potter (of  Tale of  Benjamin Bunny fame).  It reads:

     "With pomp, power and glory the world beckons vainly,

       In chase of such vanities why should I roam?

       While peace and content bless my little thatched cottage

       And warm my own heart with the treasures of home."

Now, does looking at this "little thatched cottage" make you want to downsize?  That's exactly what it makes me want to do.

My last wish of 2010 is that I can still find a Susan Branch calendar for 2011. Hopefully, one can still be ordered through her delightful website.

 By the way, if you haven't checked  it out, do yourself a favor and go to Susan's website. She's such an inspiration. It's almost guaranteed you will love her!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE AUTHOR/ARTIST? SHARE WITH US WHO SHE/HE IS!

            

Merry Christmas from Writing Straight from the Heart to YOU!

From my heart to yours, I wish you a Christmas filled with love,  peace, and deep happiness.

How incredible that the birth of the little Jesus boy changed the world forever.

One tiny life brought hope to all mankind and continues to do so to this moment.

In a humble manger, with thousands of stars twinkling in the heavens above,  the Christ child was born this night. 

May the wonder of that miracle shimmer in your life and fill you with unparalleled joy.

Hugs to all,  Susan

Jolly Old Elf Welcomes Guests

Today Writing Straight from the Heart is joining Junkin Finds from Linda's blog, A La Carte and Show and Tell Friday from Cindy's blog, My Romantic Home.  Please stop by both of these blogs when you have a few free minutes. You will be so amazed at what you will find!

See the jolly old elf in red in the above photo?  We all know who he is. He's sitting in a little white rocking chair on our front porch, greeting all the guests and the mailman, too!

Last summer, when temps around here were hovering in the 90s,  I went to a church yard sale under a tent on the lawn.  Tons of stuff piled on tables made shopping super fun for junk lovers. It was a blast to pick through so many treasures.

Then I saw the Santa!  He was out of his element in the heat. Picking him up, I thought what fun it would be for him to welcome guests, come Christmas.

He cost $2.50  Thought that was quite a bargain!

Of course, I had to haul him under my arm for the rest of the time spent at the yard sale and that was NOT fun. He was bulky and the material his suit was made of felt hot. By the time we got back to the car, both Santa and his new owner were sweating bullets.

The little guy spent the next several months in the attic and finally, we brought him down to his front porch holiday duty. He's got a kind of magical face that fits him perfectly.

If he could speak, I'm sure the old fellow would want to wish each of you a "Merry Christmas!"

Happy Birthday , Baby Jesus, Sweet Prince of Peace

      



  "For unto us a child is born, 
 
    Unto us a Son is given.
 
    And the Government shall be upon His  
    shoulder;

    And His name shall be called Wonderful,

    Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,

    Prince of Peace." 

                              Isaiah, Verse 6

Of all those names by which Jesus is referred, I like Prince of Peace the best.

It's so wonderful to have peace, isn't it?   Wouldn't it be great if there were complete peace among all family members, neighbors, co-workers, and in laws ? 

Imagine what our world would be like if peace completely reined.

The one place we have the ability to make sure there is peace is within our own hearts. We do that by forgiving those who have hurt us, throwing criticism of people, places, and things, out the window, and concentrating on our spiritual natures.

Today and tonight, the day and evening before the celebration  of the Baby Jesus' birth, my most fervent wish for you, dear readers, is peace in your hearts.

That way, we can truly celebrate the birthday of the Prince of Peace.
                         

Wednesday, December 22, 2010: Giving to Others Is the Essence of Happiness

 

Almost everyone has heard the expression, "love isn't love til you give it away."  It's true, too. Another saying that's particularly poignant is "the essence of happiness is giving to others." 

Most of the happiest people I know are givers. They share without being asked. They enjoy opening their hearts and their pocketbooks to make others happy and in doing so, they bring joy to themselves.

This holiday season, it's important to think of others less fortunate than ourselves.  To me, it's gratifying to make an extra gingerbread house so kids who wouldn't otherwise have one can decorate with gumdrops, peppermints, cherry sours, and on and on into the candy kingdom. 

A visit to someone who is sick may not be as much fun as going Christmas shopping but it's more important. The same goes for visits to someone who is terminally ill. This may be the last holiday of such a person and a visit to express our love is something we will never regret.

I'm sad for people who are unable to give of themselves. I've known people so financially tight they would not share a dime with anyone. They may have a pocketful of money but, to me, they are the poorest of the poor. Their spirits are not light and joyful because all they care about is money. 

This holiday season, it's good to remember  the essence of happiness is giving to others.

Why not be an angel and reach out to someone who needs your love, gentleness, kindness, generosity, and compassion?

WHAT IS ONE NICE THING SOMEONE HAS DONE FOR YOU LATELY? CAN YOU TELL US?

Doll in the Red Velvet Dress

                                                             (Click on photos to enlarge)

In the past, I wrote about a doll with green eyes, found dirty and disheveled,  and bought  for $8 at a church flea market. Guess what was under all the dirt on her face?   Freckles!

(Whoever may be interested in reading that post, it ran on  November 7, 2009.  Check archive in this blog's sidebar.)

Now all cleaned up and looking lovely, she's been sitting in a white wicker chair upstairs in the hall near my bedroom. I found white "baby" shoes for her little feet and dressed her in a  pink dress.

      "She needs  Christmas attire," I thought. A red velvet dress with a white collar would be perfect!  One day recently, despite the busyness of these days before Christmas, my car drove in the direction of a local Salvation Army store. Inside, I headed toward the infants clothing section.

Before I even got there, the red velvet dress with the white color stood out. Hanging on the end of a rack, it appeared to be perfect and exactly what I had in mind. Price? A whopping $2.49!  Holiday score!

Once home, I washed the little dress and popped it into the drier. Then, I put it on the doll, securing it behind her neck with a safety pin. It is a little bit big for her since she's not a human baby.

I found a wide white ribbon with gold edging and tied it in her hair, making a big bow on top of her head!  I couldn't believe my eyes when I realized the ribbon matched perfectly with white and gold ribbon at her neck.

Look! Along the hem of the red velvet dress are tiny rosebuds.

At a dinner party recently at our house,  the little doll in the red velvet dress sat in her white chair near all the guests. She looked absolutely adorable.

Isn't she just the sweetest little petunia?

It's so much fun being a kid at heart!

DO YOU EVER THINK OF THE CHILD YOU USED TO BE? ARE YOU STILL GOOD TO HER/HIM?

 AND ONE MORE QUESTION FOR YOU, DEAR READERS. WHAT NAME DO YOU THINK WOULD SUIT THIS DOLLY, ALL DRESSED UP FOR CHRISTMAS? (p.s. I already have a Noel!)

Sweet Metamorphosis in the Kitchen!

Today we are joining Metamorphosis Monday at Susan's Between Naps on the Porch.

This post is about a kitchen table transformation from bowls filled with frosting and a variety of candies to a full-fledged gingerbread house! 

When little elves get to work, all kinds of magic happens.

Fingers fly and imaginations soar as a colorful transformation takes place.

Spicy gingerbread smells fill the air.  Uh oh! Some of the construction materials get eaten! This is serious business.  The construction foreman had better tell the workers to refrain from eating the goods!

The table holds an eye-popping variety of candies---- hot "tamales," cherry rounds,  gumdrops, peppermint striped balls,  ribbon candy, and fruity rectangles, to name a few. No wonder there's so much temptation for the builders.

One can almost hear a command of "Gingerbread house construction underway" coming from the kitchen.

Two sets of hands begin furiously selecting candies to line the roof and walls of the house.  Sugar "engineers" fly into action.  Once the house's roof and sides fill with colorful candies, it's time to begin the yard that has to be designed and filled in with rainbow colored gumdrops.

There! The last of the gumdrops make the yard look like a garden filled with sugary

"flowers" that smell quite spicy.

The kitchen table metamorphosis is complete and Gingerbread House 2010 is now ready for Christmas!

HAVE YOU MADE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE?

Be sure to go to Susan's Between Naps on the Porch to see other bloggers' metamorphosis projects. Just click betweennapsontheporch@gmail.com.

COOKING FOR OTHERS IS A GIFT OF LOVE

The other morning, after reading the newspaper with my first cup of coffee,  an idea popped into my mind. Why not have a spontaneous dinner party?

I quickly made a few phone calls and the responses were all affirmative. Working people who have been on-the-job all week would appreciate a home cooked meal, especially at this busy time of year.

Going into our library, which is located in the living room, I slipped my Rachel Ray cookbook off one of the "cookbooks only" shelves. My daughter gave me that book last Christmas and I love it because, well, I love Rachel Ray. She's a darling to listen to, look at, and learn from! (She looks pretty tiny to me, even after all that cooking which, of course, makes me green with envy. I'll bet she's about a size 6).

Anyway, even though guests were coming, risky as it seemed, I decided to try a new dish that would also not cost an arm and a leg, Pasta Carbonara. It called for olive oil ( or evoo as Rachel would say which stands for extra virgin olive oil),  pancetta, lots of Romano cheese, garlic, rigatoni,  red pepper flakes, and parsley. 

I also served a delicious salad with Rachel's delectable lemon dressing, "snowflake" rolls with butter, and a fresh asparagus, carrot, and snap pea tray with lobster dippy. Picked up the package of lobster dip mix last fall during a road trip to Vermont. All I had to do was mix it with mayo and sour cream, both "light" varieties. It was pretty good!

Don't want this post to be too long so I just want to tell you that everything came out great (thank goodness) and the house looked very Christmas "festivas." 

Best of all,  adding to my holiday joy was  having  dear friends and family in for dinner.  It is sheer pleasure to serve them. All together, there were 10 of us! Cooking for others, I believe, is an act of love. It's a good gift to give any time but especially at Christmas!

For dessert,  there were brownies  made with olive oil, walnuts, and a layer of chocolate chips; dark chocolate covered shortbread stars cookies, purchased in Trader Joe's, and green and red M&Ms.

Also made coffee but  didn't  dare drink it because there would  never, ever be any sleep at night.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE TO SERVE COMPANY FOR DINNER?